Laughner used a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download images of child pornography, according to court documents. Police in Laughner's former hometown of Naugatuck, assisted by the state Computer Crimes Task Force, conducted a search of Laughner's house in December 2009, and seized three computers and other computer-related items. Forensic analysis of the seized items revealed more than 300 images and 22 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, federal prosecutors said.

Laughner pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography on May 15. He was arrested in December 2010.

The case was investigated by the FBI, along with the New Haven-based state Computer Crimes Task Force, made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah Slater and Sarala Nagala prosecuted the case and it is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood Initiative, aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.